How to Get Rid of HVAC Odors

Tori Klein • February 3, 2022

The 2 Types of HVAC Odors

Picture of a woman holding her nose because of a bad smell.

HVAC systems usually don't produce strong or abnormal odors when they're running properly. If you're worried about an odor that is  originating from your HVAC system, it's always a great idea to get expert assistance so that the source of the smell can be identified accurately so it can be repaired. Don't waste time until the odor gets worse, get in touch with a technician sooner rather than later.



Conveniently Fixed Odors

Some smells coming from HVAC systems can be discovered and fixed quickly.


A mildew smell could be coming from your HVAC system if excess water has built up as a result of bad drainage. This stuffy or moldy smell occurs when a high level of wetness has accumulated in your system. Adjust your filter first, but please call Best Owner Direct HVAC if this scent doesn't go away. Our HVAC Technicians can clean and drain your unit to eliminate this smell.


A rotting rubbish odor in your HVAC could be coming from a dead bird or rodent that is trapped inside the system. Give us a call straight away, and our HVAC professionals will gladly get rid of the source of the odor.


An old cigarette smoke smell can result from a smoker that's staying in the house. The fumes from the smoke can remain on the evaporator coil and cleaning this area of your HVAC system thoroughly can remove this unpleasant smell.


The oil smell usually comes from oil leaks in your system. HVAC professionals may just need to tighten up a fitting in the filter, tank, or oil line to repair the leakage. If there is no oil leakage, have an HVAC service technician inspect your cooling and heating system to find the source of the smell. This oil smell may also come from an oil burner that is not functioning properly. If you additionally observe unusual sounds, smoke, or soot, call an HVAC technician immediately as this could be a serious safety hazard for you and your family.



Hazardous Smells

Some HVAC system smells can be quite dangerous. A rotten egg smell could show a gas leak near your air ducts, in this instance, you definitely need to leave your residence and call the neighborhood gas company before calling a heating and cooling system specialist.


A sewer odor can occur if you have a sewer line near your ductwork that is clogged. If this happens, you need to call a plumbing technician or HVAC specialist right away. This sewer smell originates from methane and this flammable gas can fill your home.


A burning scent might suggest a mechanical problem with the fan in your HVAC unit. Switch off your HVAC, and also look for melting smells near your devices. Call a heating and cooling professional immediately to take care of the source of these smells.



Get Rid Of Cooling And Heating Odors

You can remove heating and cooling odor issues by looking for mold, dead animals, and various other feasible sources of toxic HVAC scents frequently. Various other ways to eliminate these smells consist of cleaning your evaporator coils, improving your ventilation, replacing your air filter, and organizing HVAC maintenance every year. HVAC service technicians can eliminate duct odors, check for damaged circuitry, and tighten belts or other components as needed.


The majority of the strange smells that originate from HVAC units can be resolved fairly conveniently, however, some can be unsafe. Contact Best Owner Direct HVAC to schedule a visit for your heating and cooling needs.


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